Explore the best areas to stay in Champagne, France, from the historic city of Reims and the charming town of Épernay to the picturesque villages of Hautvillers and Verzenay. Discover where to stay for easy access to champagne houses, scenic vineyards, and cultural attractions.
Best Areas to Stay When Visiting Champagne
When visiting Champagne, choosing the right area to stay can greatly enhance your experience. Here are some of the best areas to stay in Champagne, each offering unique attractions and conveniences:
Reims
Overview: Reims is the largest city in the Champagne region and is known for its stunning cathedral, rich history, and numerous champagne houses.
Why Stay Here: It offers a blend of historical sites, vibrant culture, and easy access to major champagne producers.
Highlights:
Reims Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Reims)
Palace of Tau
Basilique Saint-Remi
Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Mumm
Wide range of restaurants, shops, and nightlife
Épernay
Overview: Known as the "Capital of Champagne," Épernay is home to the famous Avenue de Champagne, lined with grand champagne houses.
Why Stay Here: It’s a central hub for champagne lovers with easy access to many prestigious champagne houses.
Highlights:
Avenue de Champagne
Champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Mercier
Charming town center with shops and cafes
Proximity to picturesque vineyards and the Marne Valley
Hautvillers
Overview: A quaint village known as the "Cradle of Champagne," Hautvillers is famous for being the home of Dom Pérignon.
Why Stay Here: Offers a more intimate and authentic experience with beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards.
Highlights:
Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers
Scenic vineyard walks
Small, family-run champagne producers
Troyes
Overview: Troyes is a historic town with a well-preserved medieval center, offering a different charm compared to the more wine-focused towns.
Why Stay Here: Perfect for history buffs and those looking to explore beautiful medieval architecture.
Highlights:
Half-timbered houses
Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral
Musée d'Art Moderne
Quaint streets filled with shops and cafes
Châlons-en-Champagne
Overview: Known for its lovely gardens and historical buildings, Châlons-en-Champagne provides a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
Why Stay Here: Ideal for those looking for a peaceful stay with cultural attractions.
Highlights:
Saint-Etienne Cathedral
Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology
Beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Jard Anglais
Aÿ-Champagne
Overview: A small town known for its high-quality vineyards and champagne production.
Why Stay Here: Great for those wanting to stay close to some of the best vineyards and smaller champagne houses.
Highlights:
Visits to champagne houses like Bollinger and Deutz
Scenic vineyard views
Proximity to Épernay and Hautvillers
Verzenay
Overview: A charming village surrounded by vineyards, known for its unique lighthouse.
Why Stay Here: Perfect for a quiet retreat with easy access to wine tours.
Highlights:
Lighthouse of Verzenay (Le Phare de Verzenay)
Musee de la Vigne (Vine Museum)
Proximity to Montagne de Reims Natural Regional Park
Rilly-la-Montagne
Overview: A picturesque village in the Montagne de Reims, known for its champagne production.
Why Stay Here: Offers a more rural and tranquil experience, close to nature and vineyards.
Highlights:
Visits to local champagne producers
Beautiful hiking and biking trails
Proximity to Reims and other key locations in Champagne